How difficult would it be to get a Master’s degree as active duty?

2018-12-27T21:06:20-05:00

I have two years of college towards an Environmental Science degree, and I want to get my Master’s. My MOS is 92W (Water Treatment Specialist). How difficult would it be to finish my Bachelor’s and then get my Master’s as active duty? How much of it would be online, and how much will be hands on in a classroom?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2018 9:18 PM

2018-12-27T21:18:32-05:00

It just takes discipline and determination as well as time management skills. If you do an online distance program, you will more than likely be required to complete discussion boards weekly, reading and an assignment, Typically a paper. There will be a course project or exam at the end of the course. Just be ready to dedicate time. You'll have to sacrifice hanging out and being social to get this done. It can get stressful but it can be done. Good luck you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2018 1:30 AM

2018-12-28T01:30:12-05:00

I received my Master of Arts in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma, just over a year ago - and I completed all of my educational studies while on Active Duty. As a young PFC I started taking college classes at my first duty station in Germany, and I never stopped - completing my Associates degree during a tour in Iraq and my Bachelors during a tour in Afghanistan. It’s possible, it’s not easy, it requires an enormous amount of sacrifice, dedication, time, and support. I completed the majority of my studies online - as it allowed me greater flexibility accross three deployments in addition to tours of Germany and Korea. Good luck on your educational journey.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2018 2:26 AM

2018-12-28T02:26:56-05:00

I had 57 credits when I first joined on Active Duty. I received my Associates after I graduated from AIT. Fortunately, was stationed at Ft Leavenworth for my last two years and had a fairly light schedule so I could concentrate on my studies. So yes, time management, goal setting, drive, and a little bit of luck is needed. However, graduating on Active Duty can be done.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Dec 28 at 2018 4:40 AM

2018-12-28T04:40:39-05:00

It depends on the school that you are enrolled in. Some are flexible, some are not. Although education is noble, keep in mind that some for-profit programs have weak reputations. If you pursue degrees, ensure that the university has formal acceptance by services or any future civilian employers.

Response by MSG James Douglas made Dec 28 at 2018 1:41 PM

2018-12-28T13:41:51-05:00

It can be done! I came in the Army with 2 years of college under my belt. Over the next few years I was taking classes here and there. In 2009 I received my bachelor's degree from Touro University and in 2010 I immediately enrolled in a master's program at Webster University and completed it as well. I retired from the Army in 2016 so once again it can be done with determination and hard work!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 28 at 2018 4:21 PM

2018-12-28T16:21:51-05:00

Depends on your self and the Unit OPTEMPO and the Command. Not an easy task, but possible.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Dec 28 at 2018 7:22 PM

2018-12-28T19:22:43-05:00

It took me 5 years to get the 60 credits of upper division for my BA. Now, I was also a Team leader, Squad leader and a Platoon sergeant in infantry companies during this time and had to take a semester off here and there due to op tempo. It may be a completely different experience for you as a 92W. I did all mine completely online, but it depends on the school you pick. Check out Arizona State University. My last several classes, ASU would match my tuition assistance with a grant.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2018 7:54 PM

2018-12-28T19:54:39-05:00

You just got to go for it and grind hard towards your goal. You can do it but it will be a sacrifice for the things you enjoy doing.

Response by PO3 Robert Laity made Dec 28 at 2018 8:10 PM

2018-12-28T20:10:58-05:00

Let me tell you about a very fine college that you can complete totally without ever going into a brick and mortar building., a college that is regionally accredited by the middle States commission on higher education. They started out as the "Regent's external degree program" and then changed their name to the State University of New York. It is now "Excelsior College". I have four degrees from this college. I finished 39 credit hours of work by taking just ONE exam, the Graduate Record Exam in Psychology. The college awards Associates, Bachelors and Masters degrees and is recognized for it's exemplary educational resources towards the education of military personnel and veterans.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Dec 28 at 2018 10:53 PM

2018-12-28T22:53:59-05:00

It is only difficult if you believe it to be that way.

I completed one as a young CPT, paid with TA, all on my own time and took 3 classes in Iraq during OIF1. Work always came first. I did a second one that I started when I was in diplomatic duty in Egypt. I put in my tax exempt money from red sea missions and earmarked them for education. I finished 6 months after retirement.

Univ. of Maryland Univ. College and Central Michigan University are both military/veteran friendly school and the programs can be 100% online.

Don't let anyone tell you no. balance the responsibilities. Celebrate success when you are done.